Data recording

ABSTRACT

Characters presented by a rotary head of a data recording machine (e.g. an embossing machine) are sequentially located at an index position accordingly as related selectors are moved to a set or actuated position to arrest motion of an indexing clutch which itself, when arrested, is effective to stop the rotary head at index position.

- United States Patent [1 1 Deutsch DATA RECORDING [75] Inventor: Fritz A. Deutsch, Euclid, Ohio [73] Assignee: Addressograph-Multigraph Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio [22] Filed: Aug. 17, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 172,410

[52] (1.8. CI 197/6.2, 101/18, 197/6.S, 101/111 {51] Int. Cl B4lj l/22 [58] Field of Search 197/6.2, 6.5, 6.6, 197/18, 49; 101/18, 93,111

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,407,492 2/1922 Steere 197/6.6 1,518,904 12/1924 Duncan 197/6.6 1,983,099 12/1934 Sampson..... 197/49 3,135,195 6/1964 Potter 197/49 X Oct. 9, 1973 3,157,265 11/1964 Palmer 197/16 3,164,084 1/1965 Paige 101/111 X 3,354,818 11/1967 Haas .,197/49 X 3,402,657 9/1968 Potter et a1. 101/111 X 3,457,855 7/1969 Falchero 101/111 X 3,621,778 11/1971 Ripple et a1. 101/111 X 3,623,427 11/1971 Buehrmann et a1. 101/111 X Primary ExaminerEdgar S. Burr Attorney-Russell L. Root et a1.

[ 57] ABSTRACT Characters presented by a rotary head of a data recording machine (e.g. an embossing machine) are sequentially located at an index position accordingly as related selectors are moved to a set or actuated position to arrest motion of an indexing clutch which itself, when arrested, is effective to stop the rotary head at index position.

2 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures DATA RECORDING This invention relates to a data recording machine, and more specifically an embossing machine.

In Deutsch U.S. Pat. No. 3,0l0,387, l have disclosed a unique form of data recorder, specifically one in which a band 'or tape presenting linearally displaced type characters is selectively moved to an index position to present the selected character to the index position. In the earlier patent, selection was accomplished by progressive angular movement of concentrically nested rotary selectors in which the total read-angle was accompanied by corresponding linear displacement of the tape bearing the characters.

The object of the present invention is to construct apparatus representing a reverse concept in that characters are arranged on a rotary head, with the selectors in a linear displacement; each selector occupies a position which is an analog of the angular position of a character on the rotary head, and a clutch is uniquely controlled through selector actuation to arrest the head to dispose at index position the character corresponding to the actuated selector. In effect, and as a state ment of another object of the invention, the clutch when engaged and driven constantly indexes the head so that the two are synchronized, and movement of a selector to set position results in disengagement of the clutch to arrest the rotary head with the selected character at index position.

Other and further objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and claims and are illustrated in the accompanying drawings which, by way of illustration, show a preferred embodiment of the invention and the principle thereof and what is now considered to be the best mode contemplated for applying this principle. Other embodiments of the invention embodying the same or equivalent principles may be used and structural changes may be made as desired by those skilled in the art without departing from the present invention.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view in elevation of apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmented plan view substantially on the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view showing displacement features characterizing the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a view of an indexing clutch which'may be used.

The data recording machine of the present invention is identified as a whole by reference character in FIG. 1, and while the specific mode of practice concerns application of the principle of the invention to an embossing machine, it is to be understood that this principle may be applied to any data recording or data representing machine in which a rotary member (head) presenting characters in a circumferential ring is to be advanced through an angular increment corresponding to the displacement between successively actuated selectors, themselves ordinarily part of a keyboard.

Thus, in FIG. 1 a pair of coaxial discs 11 and 12 constitute the rotary head of an embossing machine. Disc 11, at the underside, will present a ring of relief characters 11p, known as punches in the embossing art, spaced equidistantly about a predetermined circumference. In the like manner, the lower disc 12 will present a ring of mating dies 11D. The two discs rotate in unison, and when in motion successive punch and die sets will be constantly moving past the index position IP, FIG. 2. When the head 11-12 is to be arrested, as hereinafter described, it presents to index position ,IP a selected punch and die set. It is assumed that a member to be embossed, such as a plastic credit card, will be located between the discs 11 and 12 to be embossed with the selected character. The present invention is not concerend with any particular means for producing embossing pressure, nor any particular means for space-shifting the member to be embossed. It may be stated, however, that the discs 11 and 12 are normally spaced axially as shown in FIG. 1 to receive therebetween the part to be embossed, and when a character is to be formed thereon the selected punch and die are impacted.

The machine includes a keyboard KB, FIG. 1, repre' sented by a plurality of in-Iine, linearly displaced selectors 15 which may be in the form of key bars pivotally supported at 16, and movable to set position as hereinafter described by digital pressure applied to a key stem 17.

Under and in accordance with the present invention, the rotary head presenting the individual datum is driven by theoutput or driven member 20 of an indexing clutch identified as a whole in. FIG. 1 by reference character 22. The clutch includes an input or driving element 23 driven in turn by a power input shaft 24. The machine may be so constructed as to have a constant drive imparted to shaft 24, or it may be constructed to initiate drive to shaft 24 as an incident to depression of the key stem 17. Thus, the machine will include an electrical motor as the source of power; the motor may be energized constantly upon closure of a switch or the circuitry may be such that the motor is energized upon actuation of the key stem 17, common practice with typewriters.

The indexing clutch 22 is preferably of spring from as hereinafter disclosed in more detail, the essential requirement being that the clutch is normally engaged when the machine is in use, and that the rotary head be synchronized with the clutch so that an angular increment of clutch movement imparts an equal angular movement to the head 11-12.

Under and in accordance with the present invention, movement of a selector from restored position to set position results in disengagement of the clutch whereby the rotary head is arrested to present to index position IF the character corresponding to that represented by theactuated selector.

In accomplishing the foregoing, clutch 22 is provided with a release ring 27 which rotates with the clutch input element 23,'but is effective when arrested to disengage the clutch through connections hereinafter disclosed. The release ring is stopped as an incident to actuating a selector.

The release ring 27 has a sprocket 28 fixed thereto and drives an endless chain or belt 30. The belt 30 is For the purpose of teaching only assume that the rotary head, FIG. 3, isprovided with 48 characters equidistantly spaced every 7 W about the circumference of discs 11 and 12. This being so, there will be 48 corresponding selectors at the keyboard in sequence in a path and spaced one from another to use the available dimension A. I

It is not essential that the spacing be equidistant either on the discs or in the selector group, but practical engineering dictates that it be. Further, the dimension A could be exactly equal to the circumference of the discs by using a sprocket 28 of pitch diameter of equivalent size, but again practical engineering will dictate a keyboard no longer than necessary. Hence the illustration shows sprocket 28 smaller than the discs. The spacing of the selectors is therefore specifically related to the spacing of characters, but usually by some constant factor of adjustment.

Under the specific embodiment shown, the distances separating the first selector, 15-1, FIGS. 2 and 3, from the last selector, 15-48 will equal the circumference A adjusted by a factor less then 1. In this context it is acceptable to consider each selector 15-1 and 15-48 as a terminal selector.

Thus, and assuming the direction of travel shown in FIG. 3, when the first or leading lug as Ll has just cleared the right hand side of terminal selector 15-48, the next subsequent or trailing lug L2 is immediately adjacent the left hand side of the other terminal selector 15-1. Thus, as long as power is supplied to the input element of the indexing clutch one stop lug on the chain 30 will traverse the linear array of selectors, and as it passes from a terminal selector the next lug starts its transit.

When a selector is moved from the normal or restored position, FIG. 1, to its actuated or set position an extension 15E thereon is disposed in the path of the lugs on the long side or base of the chain 30 which is parallel to (and in fact superimposed over) the line of selector extensions 15E. Thus, an element of the set selector will intercept a lug, arresting the chain 30 and producing disengagement of the clutch; the rotary head is stopped and presents to index position IF the character corresponding to the set selector.

Further, and referring to FIG. 3, several examples of operation are easily explained. It is assumed that the rotary head is turning counter-clockwise and the char.- acters thereon are forty-eight in number, having the angular displacement shown. The chain 30 is also driven counterclockwise as shown by the directional arrow affixed thereto. Each selector extension is shown in its retracted position, but when set will intercept the path of travel of the lugs therepast.

The selector extensions have a width and this is also true of the lugs, but in any event when a lug, as Ll, passes and just clears the last of the selectors, the leading face of the next successive lug, as L2, is in its nearest approaching position to a selector which will be the initial or terminal selector 15-1. At this instant the key corresponding to selector 15-1 may be struck to dispose its selector extension 15E in blocking position to the approaching stop lug L2, and concurrently the character at position No. 1 on the recording head obtains the index position IP, whereupon the clutch disengages as will be further explained below.

Again referring to FIG. 3, the thirteenth character on the head is displaced 90 from IP, so that when selector 15-1 is released or restored the key stem of selector 15-13 may next be struck; after of travel the character at position No. 13 on the head is at the threshold of the index position IP with the right hand face of lug L2 in position to be intercepted upon striking the left hand face of the selector extension corresponding to selector 15-13 in set position.

If we assume that the terminal selector 15-48 (which may be represented by a dollar 35 sign) is next to be set, after release of selector l5-l, the largest extent of travel is involved which is to say that chain 30, after release of selector l5-1, will undergo uninterrupted motion, moving lug Ll the entire length of the keyboard from the position shown in FIG. 3 until the right hand face thereof strikes the left hand face of the extension corresponding to the set selector 15-48, representing 360 travel of the head.

The indexing clutch 22 is of the coil clutch spring type, FIG. 4, characterized by a helical spring 40 pretensioned to tightly fit sleeve 23S of the input or driving element of the clutch as well as the coaxially related sleeve 20S of the driven element of the clutch which carries the rotary head. The spring is so wound that as the clutch rotates counter-clockwise as viewed in FIG. 2, the spring only tightens further in a self-energizing nature, that is, the clutch is self-energized to its normally engaged state, producing a solid non-slipping drive between the clutch driving element 23 and the clutch driven element 20.

The release ring or collar 27 loosely surrounds the coil clutch spring. The spring is secured to the release collar by bending one end 40E to fit a corresponding slot in the clutch release ring. The contracted fit of the spring 40 to the driving element of the clutch, together with the rotary motion tending to tighten the spring further, is adequate to transmit a precise non-slip drive to clutch sleeve 20S, precise within a fraction of a degree.

The release 'ring 27 of course turns in the direction of the driving member of the clutch, since it is carried along by the end 40E of the clutch spring 40. It will be recalled that the clutch release ring carries sprocket 28 which drives chain 30. When chain 30 is arrested as an incident to a stop lug engaging a selector in set position, sprocket 28 and the clutch release ring 27 are arrested. Resultantly, the bent end 405 of the clutch spring in effect is not confronted with a stationery release ring.

In other words with the release collar unable to rotate the bent end 40E of the clutch coil spring 40 is also locked against rotation, and hence the spring tends to unwrap (untension), causing clutch disengagement with the result that rotary power is no longer transmitted to the driven element. Because of the slight angular movements involved clutch disengagement and arrest of the rotary head is virtually instantaneous with engagement between a stop lug and a selector in set position. Preferably the embossing head will have the form of that disclosed in application Ser. No. 784,561, filed Dec. I8, 1968 wherein the punch and die discs present flexible radiating arms or fingers each supporting the character or datum. When an embosser is to be made one of the discs is first moved toward the other to close the fingers at index position IP against the article to be embossed and thereafter embossing force is generated by the mechanism disclosed in application Ser. No. 784,558 filed Dec. 18, 1968, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 3,620,343.

, While I have disclosed the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be understood that this is capable of modification and variation.

1 claim:

1. In a data recording machine where a rotary head presenting a ring of circumferentially displaced characters is to be arrested to present a character to an index position as an incident to movement of a selector from a released to a set position",

normally released selectively operable selectors arranged in sequence in a path and being equal in number to the number of characters in said ring, said selectors occupying discrete positions assigned respectively to the angular arrangement of characters on said head,

an endless band having a portion of its path parallel to the path of selectors and having N stop lugs thereon, N being a number greater than one, said stop lugs being so arranged that the band, when driven, places one of the lugs in clearing position to the last of the selectors and at the same time places the next successive one of the lugs in approaching position to the initial one of the selectors so that successive lugs will constantly traverse the path of selectors, said band being of a length N times the circumference of said ring of characters,

means to selectively actuate the selectors to a set position where the selector in set position is disposed in the path of the lugs thereby to engage a lug and arrest any motion of the band,

means including a normally engaged clutch to provide a continuous drive action available to drive the head and the band synchronously so that a character at index position is accompanied by a lug being presented to the selector identified with the character disposed at index position,

and means responsive to engagement of a lug with a set selector to disengage the clutch and thereby arrest the head with the character thereon corresponding to the set selector located at index position.

2. A data recording machine according to claim 1 wherein in the endless band is supported to travel in a triangular path, one leg of the path traversing the path of selectors, said lugs being three in number separated from one another by a distance equal to the spacing between the first and last selector. 

1. In a data recording machine where a rotary head presenting a ring of circumferentially displaced characters is to be arrested to present a character to an index position as an incident to movement of a selector from a released to a set position; normally released selectively operable selectors arranged in sequence in a path and being equal in number to the number of characters in said ring, said selectors occupying discrete positions assigned respectively to the angular arrangement of characters on said head, an endless band having a portion of its path parallel to the path of selectors and having N stop lugs thereon, N being a number greater than one, said stop lugs being so arranged that the band, when driven, places one of the lugs in clearing position to the last of the seLectors and at the same time places the next successive one of the lugs in approaching position to the initial one of the selectors so that successive lugs will constantly traverse the path of selectors, said band being of a length N times the circumference of said ring of characters, means to selectively actuate the selectors to a set position where the selector in set position is disposed in the path of the lugs thereby to engage a lug and arrest any motion of the band, means including a normally engaged clutch to provide a continuous drive action available to drive the head and the band synchronously so that a character at index position is accompanied by a lug being presented to the selector identified with the character disposed at index position, and means responsive to engagement of a lug with a set selector to disengage the clutch and thereby arrest the head with the character thereon corresponding to the set selector located at index position.
 2. A data recording machine according to claim 1 wherein in the endless band is supported to travel in a triangular path, one leg of the path traversing the path of selectors, said lugs being three in number separated from one another by a distance equal to the spacing between the first and last selector. 